How Trump’s “DOGE” Cuts Are Hurting Missourians
A recent MSNBC opinion highlights how the Trump administration’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) — previously led by Elon Musk — has slashed Social Security staffing, closed field offices and imposed new verification rules—sowing chaos at an agency that serves over 66 million Americans[1]. Under Commissioner Frank Bisignano, more than 7,000 positions have already been eliminated, call wait times have exploded, and critical in-person services are disappearing[2].
Who’s Responsible
- President Donald Trump — directed the formation of DOGE to deliver “efficiency” through across-the-board cuts.
- Elon Musk — DOGE’s original leader, whose aggressive cost-cutting blueprint laid the groundwork for widespread staffing and office closures.
- Commissioner Frank Bisignano — confirmed in May 2025 and now overseeing the implementation of DOGE’s staffing and policy changes[3].
Impact on Missourians
AP News reports that at least 47 local SSA field offices nationwide are slated for closure this year under DOGE’s directives—dozens of which serve rural areas where Missourians already drive hours for in-person help[4]. Kiplinger confirmed these closures affect communities of every size, forcing working families to choose between lost wages and long drives just to speak to a clerk[5].
- Rapidly aging population: Between 2020 and 2024, the 65 and over cohort in Kansas and Missouri grew by 13 percent, swelling demand for SSA services[6].
- High disability prevalence: 10.5 percent of Missourians under 65 live with a disability—higher than the national average of 9.1 percent—and rely on SSDI for essential income[7][8].
Long-Term Pain for Elderly and Disabled Americans
These cuts don’t just inconvenience; they threaten the checks that sustain millions. As of May 2025, the Social Security Administration’s Monthly Statistical Snapshot shows:
- 69.628 million Americans receive Social Security (OASDI) benefits each month[10].
- 61.405 million are aged 65 or older receiving Old-Age and Survivors Insurance[10].
- 74.090 million Americans receive Social Security, SSI, or both[10].
Many of these beneficiaries live on fixed incomes and cannot afford repeated travel or endless hold times, putting them at risk for missed benefits and financial hardship.
References
- [1] Zeeshan Aleem, “How DOGE’s reckless cuts created chaos at the Social Security Administration,” Yahoo News.
- [2] Meryl Kornfield & Hannah Natanson, “Social Security stops reporting call wait times and other metrics,” The Washington Post.
- [3] “Social Security’s new commissioner, rule reversals and cost cuts,” MarketWatch.
- [4] “A list of Social Security offices expected to close in 2025,” AP News.
- [5] Donna LeValley, “47 Local Social Security Offices to Close After DOGE Cuts,” Kiplinger.
- [6] “Fewer kids, more retirees in Kansas and Missouri,” Axios.
- [7] “With a disability, under age 65 years, percent — Missouri,” U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts.
- [8] “With a disability, under age 65 years, percent — United States,” U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts.
- [9] “Social Security (United States),” Wikipedia.
- [10] Social Security Administration, “Table 1 & 2: Number of people receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or both & Social Security benefits, May 2025,” Monthly Statistical Snapshot.
If you’re committed to standing with rural Missourians, our seniors and disabled neighbors in this fight against wasteful cuts, please chip in to keep our movement strong: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ricky-dana-for-congress